Manually operable piezoelectric lighters



Aug. 10, 1965 w. H. OWENS ETAL 3,200,295

MANUALLY OPERABLE PIEZOELECTRIC LIGHTERS Filed D60. 26, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 m m ,w H y ww M a 0 P w .p f m I. m H 1 a A ,1, M r 4 w X J T 7/ /J Au 10, 1965 w. H. OWENS ETAL 3,200,295

MANUALLY OPERABLE PIEZOELECTRIC LIGHTERS Filed Dec. 26, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS' [mar/l. Own/3; BY Ara/04w M. Sen 250 W K) A T TOPNE) United States Patent 3,20%,295 MANUALLY GPERAEQLE PIEZGELECTRIE LEGHTERS Wiley H. Owens, llloornington, and Asbjorn M. Severson,

Minneapolis, Minn, assignors to Honeywell End, a corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 26, W62, Ser. No. 247,200 11 Claims. (Cl. 3l7--83) This invention relates to manually operable lighters and more specifically to a lighter wherein a piezoelectric element and a manually operable impacter therefor is utilized to provide an electric spark which in turn ignites fuel at a burner. In the illustrated embodiments, the invention is utilized in novel combination in a portable lighter, specifically a cigar or cigarette li hter wherein a piezoelectric element and a manual impacter therefor is substituted for the conventional wheel and flint to provide an igniting spark.

While it is known in the prior art to use a piezoelectric device for providing an igniting spark, such devices have been quite bulky and limited in application to systems such as internal combustion engines. Our invention therefore is not directed to the broad principle of using a piezoelectric device for igniting gas. Rather, it is directed to the provision of a simple and compact arrangement utilizing this broad principle for a manually actuated lighter. While not limited thereto, the invention is particularly adapted for use in a unitary device such as a cigarette or cigar lighter having a self contained fuel supply, fuel conveying and controlling means and manually activated actuating means.

Various objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a top view of a lighter which includes one embodiment of our invention with a portion broken away to show a pair of piezoelectric elements and the housing therefor which forms a part of our invention.

FIGURE 2 is a top view of the lighter, similar to FIG- URE 1 but with the housing containing the piezoelectric elements broken away to show the operating mechanism for the lighter.

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lighter with certain portions broken away, taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary crosssectional view of a valve for controlling the flow of fuel in the lighter taken substantially along line 44- of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a longitudinal view in cross-section of a lighter which includes anotherembodiment of our invention, the lighter being shown with the operating elements therefor in a non-actuated position.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal view of the lighter in cross-section, similar to FIGURE 5 but with the operating elements of the lighter in an actuated position.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially along line "7-7 in FIGURE 5.

The following description and the drawings illustrate two embodiments of our invention. it should be noted that while reference is made specifically to cigarette lighters such as would be placed on desks or tables, the principles of our invention are applicable equally as well to other types of lighters. Therefore, while the following description refers specifically to such lighters, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Similarly the invention is described herein as applied to a lighter using pressurized gaseous fuel, but it is to be understood that it may also be used in lighters utilizing liquid or other types of fuel.

32%,295 Patented Aug. 10, 1965 FIGURES 1 through 4 illustrate a lighter which includes one embodiment of our invention. Referring thereto, the lighter comprises a body member ltl having a main portion 11 which, in this case, has formed therein a fluid chamber 12 which is utilized for the storage of gaseous fuel under pressure. It is to be understood that a separate tank might be mounted in body member it) rather than having the fuel chamber an integral part thereof. Body member 10 also includes a top or cover member 13 which is attached to main portion 11 by appropriate means such as screws 14. Main body member 11 includes portions 15 and 16 extending rearwardly therefrom and having a recess 17 located therebetween and substantially midway between opposite ends of the lighter. Cover or top member 13 has a substantially fiat portion 2@ and progressively raised or stepped portions 21 and 22, the purpose for which will be described hereinafter. Cover member 13 has an outline which substantially corresponds to the outline of body member 11 including the rearward extending portions 15' and 16 and the recess 17. If de sired, body member 19 may be enclosed in an ornamental case 23 as shown in phantom outline in FIGURE 3. For purposes which will become apparent as the description of our invention progresses, both main body portion ill and cover 13 are, in our preferred embodiment, made of an electrically conductive material.

Threaded into cover member 13 and extending into fuel tank 12 is an electrically conductive valve housing member 24-. Housing 24 contains a normally closed fuel valve generally designated by numeral 25, which may be of any conventional type such as that shown greatly enlarged in FIGURE 4. Housing 24 has an opening 26 through which gas passes to an interior chamber 27 of the housing. Opening 26 is normally closed by a resilient sealing member 28 which is carried by an electrically conductive valve stem 39. Valve stem 3t? has an axially extending opening 31 which is connected at the lower end thereof to chamber 27 by a cross passage 32. Valve stem 39 also includes an annular shoulder 33 which carries an O-ring 34 which provides a seal between the annular shoulder and the internal walls of housing 24. A spring 35 acts between an apertured electrically conductive member 36 which is threaded into housing 24 at the upper end thereof, and annular shoulder 33 to normally bias stem 39 downwardy and resilient member 23 into a closed position with respect to passage 26.

Stem 30 extends upward through the aperture in member 36 and has mounted thereon a manifold member generally indicated at 37. Manifold 37 comprises an electrically conductive body 4t) having a main burner passage 41 substantially co-axial with passage 31 in valve stem 39. Intersecting passage 41 is a pilot burner passage 42. A tubular member 43, inserted in passage 42 has a tapered end portion which extends slightly over the edge of passage 41 at the intersection of the two passages. When gas flows from passage 31 of stem 36 into passage 41, a portion of the gas is deflected by insert member 43 into pilot passage 42. It has been found that regardless of the pressure of the gas, a substantially constant flow will be obtained through pilot passage 42 without materially of will be described in more detail hereinafter.

While a single burner may be used in place of manifold 37 with a pilot and main burner, it has been found that much better performance, that is better lighting, is obtained using this arrangement of a pilot and main burner.

Also threaded into flat portion 20 of cover member 13 is a valve member 4-5 which is adapted to permit the introduction of gaseous fuel such as propane'into fuel chamber 12. Valve 45 forms no part of the present invention and therefore will not be described in detail. However sufiice it to say that valve 45 is similar to a conventional tire valve in that it allows introduction of gas therethrough into the chamber but prevents the escape of gas therefrom.

Member 44 which has previously been described as engaging the under surface of body member 46 of manifold 37 and being effective to lift the manifold to open the fuel flow valve 25, has a downwardly struck portion 46 at its forward end. Portion 46 co-acts with a recess 47 formed in surface 20 toward the forward edge of cover member 13. The co-action of portion 46 and recess '47 thus provide a pivot or hinge arrangement for member 44. Member 44 has an aperture 48 formed therein through which valve stem 30 extends. Member 44 extends rearwardly from aperture 48 and extends through an aperture 50 in an actuating member 51. Member 44 has at its extremity a downwardly stepped portion 52 which co-acts with the lower surface of aperture 50.

Actuating member 51 is an elongated member which is located in recess 17 at the rear of the lighter and which, in its normal position, is canted slightly forward from bottom to top. Member 51 is pivoted near its mid-point by a pin 53 which extends through an aperture in the rearwardly extending portions and 16 of main body member 11. A compression spring 54 is interposed between member 51 and body 11 below the pivot point and normally biases member 51 to the position shown in FIGURE 3.

Member 51 has at its upper end a relatively short portion 55 formed to extend forwardly therefrom and substantially perpendicular to the main portion thereof and substantially parallel with the surface of cover member 13. Extending transversely through portion 55 of actuating member 51 is an aperture 56 (see FIGURE 2) which is rounded outwardly at its extremities so as to provide a pivotal surface, the purpose of which will be apparent in the light of the following description.

Slidably mounted on surface 21 of cover member 13 is a substantially L-shaped block member 57 having a main leg portion 58 the main vertical edge of which slidably engages a vertical riser portion 60 between surfaces 21 and 22 of cover member 13. Block member 57 has, at its rearward end, a leg portion 61 extending substantially perpendicular to. main leg portion51. The intersection of the outer surfaces of legs 58 and 61 is rounded to form a curved surface portion 62. Extending from leg portion 61 and press fitted into an aperture formed therein is a pin member 63 which extends through aperture 56 in portion 55 of the actuating member 51. It

will be noted that pin 63 is somewhat smaller than the aperture 56 and due to the rounded surfaces of aperture 56 is allowed a substantial amount of pivotal movement with respect thereto. Pin 63 is retained in aperture 56 by a snap ring 64 mounted thereon. Fixed to portion 55 of the actuating member 51 and located between leg portion 61 and portion 55 is an elongated spring member 65 which extends forwardly from portion 55 and normally retains leg portion 58 of block 57 in engagement with vertical surface 60 of cover member 13. Extending upwardly adjacent the forwardmost end of leg portion 58 of block 57 and rigidly fixed thereto, is a cylindrical pin 3 member 65. V

Pivotally mounted on portion 22 of cover member 13, is a hammer or impacting assembly generally designated by numeral 67. Assembly 67 includes a plate-like menu ber 74) having adjacent its forward end an upwardly extending cylindrical portion or member 71. Pivotally mounting the plate member 70 on surface 22 is a pin '73 which extends through cylindrical portion '71 and plate member 7d and is substantially coaxial with the cylinder 71. Adjacent the rearward end of plate 70 is a hammer or impacting member 74. Member 74 and cylindrical member 71'may be fixed to plate 70 or may be integral parts thereof. Extending from hammer member 74 is a hardened striking portion 75 which may be of a generally hemispherical shape.

A coil spring 76 encircles cylindrical portion 71 and has one end 77 attached to surface 22 of cover member 13. The other end 7% of spring 76 engages hammer member 74. Spring 76 is effective to normally bias striking portion '75 of the hammer into engagement with a portion of piezoelectric means 78 which will be described further hereinafter. Extending from plate member 70 and substantially aligned with pin 73 is a hook portion 80 which is adapted to be operably engaged by pin 66 which extends upwardly from block member 57. The outer surface of hook portion 86 is contoured to form a cam surface 81, the purpose for which will appear in the following description of operation. It is to be understood that, as seen in FIGURES l, 2 and 3, plate 70 of the hammer assembly is mounted on surface 22 of the cover 13 and hence is above block member 57 which is slidably mounted on surface 21. However, due to the fact that pin 66 extends upwardly from the block member, it is effective to engage hook 8t).

Piezoelectricmeans 78, in the preferred embodiment of the invention as seen in FIGURE 1, includes a pair of generally cylindrical piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 which are axially disposed in a tubular housing 84' which is constructed from plastic or other electrically insulative material. Elements 82 and 83 are separated by a conductive electrode 85 which extends into tubular casing 84 and is in electrical contact with the adjacent ends of the two piezoelectric elements. Electrode 85 extends outwardly from casing 84 and terminates in a position adjacent pilot passage 42 of the manifold 37. The terminal end is positioned so as to be adjacent the air-fuel interface when valve 25 is' opened and fuel passes through pilot passage 42. While this member 85 has been shown in the drawing (FIGURE 1) as a single element, it is to be understood that it might equally as well be composed of a first element interposed between the two piezoelectric elements and a separate electrode adjacent and in igniting relationship with pilot passage 42, with some appropriate means electrically connecting the two electrodes.

Tubular casing 84 is closed at opposite ends by electrically' conductive members or electrodes 86 and 37 which are electrically connected to elements 82 and 83 respectively. Electrode 36 is seen to be of a somewhat thicker construction than electrode 87 and is hardened since it is subjected to blows by the striking portion 75 of hammer 74. Electrode 87 is further electrically connected to a conductive mounting member 90 which is electrically and mechanically connected to cover member 13 by appropriate mean such as a screw 14'. Mounting member 90 has an opening'91 formed therein which accepts a reduced portion 92 of casing member 84-. While not specifically shown in the drawing, mounting member 90 is effective to maintain casing 84 and the piezoelectric elements contained therein, in a position slightly raised above surface 20 so that the casing does not interfere with the operation of the actuating member '51, block 57, or valve opening a member 44. V

tric element with the corresponding changes to casing 84 and the electrical connections between the element and the spark gap. Similarly the number of piezoelectric elements may be increased without departing from our invention.

The operation of this embodiment of our invention will now be described. When it is desired to ignite the lighter, the lower portion of actuating member 51 is depressed in opposition to spring 54. This is effective to pivot member 51 about pin 53 and hence to move the upper portion of the member rearwardly as seen in FIG- URE 3. This movement is effective to cause member 44 to be pivoted upwardly due to the action of downwardly stepped surface 52 of member 44 and the lower surface of aperture in actuating member 51. Member 44 is thus pivoted about downwardly struck forward portion 46 thereof and the fuel flow valve 25 is moved upwardly to an open position in opposition to spring 35. At this point a substantially constant rate of fuel flow will occur through pilot passage 42 of manifold .37 and a larger main flow will occur through main burner passage 41.

At the same time, portion of actuating member 51 is also being moved towards the rear of the lighter. Portion 55 is effective to slide block 57 rearwardly along surface 31 of cover member 13. Pin 66 which is fixed to block 57 engages hook 80 of the hammer mechanism 67 and causes the hammer mechanism to be pivoted in a clockwise direction (see FIGURE 2) and to stress spring 76. During this movement spring is effective to hold the vertical portion of leg 58 of block 57 into engagement with vertical step 6% of the cover member 13. The coaction of pin 66 and hook 8th is also effective to retain the forward end of leg 58 in engagement with surface 60. When block 57 has been moved some predetermined distance towards the rear of the lighter, hammer mechanism 67 will have been rotated clockwise to a position where the end of hook Sit slips olf from pin 66. This releases the hammer mechanism. At this time the torque from spring 76 is effective to rapidly rotate hammer mechanism 67 in a counterclockwise direction and to cause striking portion to impart a sharp blow to hardened electrode 86 of the piezoelectric means. This blow will be transmitted to piezoelectric elements 82 and $3 and will cause a mechanical stress therein. This mechanical stress, as is well known in piezoelectric devices, is effective to cause a relatively high electrical potential between electrodes 86 and 87 and the center electrode 85.

It will be noted that body member 40 of the manifold 37 i electrically connected to cover member 13 through stem 30, spring 35, apertured plug 36 and valve housing member 24. Electrode 87, as noted before, is electrically connected to cover 13 through mounting member 9% and screw 14'. Electrode 86 is electrically connected to cover 13 through striking member 75, hammer 74, plate 7i and pin 73. Thus body 4% of the manifold 37 is electrically connected to electrodes 86 and 87. Tubular member 43 mounted in pilot passage 42 thus co-acts with the outer extremity of electrode 35 to form a spark gap and when the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 are mechanically stressed, the resulting voltage causes a spark between electrode 35 and member 43. This spark is effective to ignite the pilot gas flowing through passage 42 and the resulting flame is then effective to light the main how of gas through passage 41.

When it is desired to extinguish the flame at manifold 37, actuating member 51 is released and is then returned to its initial position by spring 54-. Due to the loose fit between pin 63 and aperture 56 in portion 55 of the actuating member, block 57 pivots about curved surface 62 as pin 66 move forward along cam surface 81. Thus pin 66 moves along cam surface 81 until it has passed by rounded hook portion and then, due to the action of the spring 65, drops into its normal position in engagement with hook 8d.

FIGURES 5, 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of our invention. While the structure is somewhat different in this embodiment, it will be seen that the principles are the same as those employed in the embodiment previously described.

Referring to FIGURE 5, the lighter comprises a main body member 1% formed from an electrically conductive material and having a main opening till extending vertically therethrough. In addition body member has an opening 1th; extending vertically thereinto from the bottom thereof and terminating approximately midway through the body member. Co-axial and co-extensive With opening 1172 is a further opening N3 of somewhat reduced diameter which extends the remainder of the way through the body member. Body member 1% is fitted with upper and lower cover plates 104 and N5 respectively which are attached thereto by appropriate means such as screws 1%.

Disposed in opening 1M is a cup-like fuel tank 1%7 having an upper annular flange which is attached to cover plate ltld by appropriate means such as screws 111. An annular gasket 199 may be placed between flange lillti and cover plate 194 to prevent leakage of fuel therebetween. Threaded into an opening 112 in cover plate Hi4 and extending into fuel tank 1&7 i a valve housing member 13 which corresponds to housing member 24 as described in connection with FIGURE 4. Tank N7 also includes means (not shown) for introducing fuel thereiuto which may be a valve such as valve 45 of FIGURES l and 2. Valve housing 113 has extending therethrough a cylindrical opening 114 which has extending radially thereinto, at a point somewhat below the axial center thereof, a web 115 having a central aperture 116 formed tnerein. A plurality of finger members 117 extend from web 115 into the aperture and are effective to guide a valve stem 112? but provide an opening for gas flow therearound. The supporting web 115 and the aperture and finger members are better seen in the somewhat enlarged fragmentary view of FIGURE 7. Valve stem M55 extends upward through an apertured plug member 12% which may but need not necessarily be formed from an electrically insuiative material and which is threaded into the upper end of opening 114 in valve housing member 113 and terminates slightly above the top of plug 12f). Attached to the lower end of valve stem lid, below web 115, is a ball valve 121 which cooperates With a valve seat 122 formed in an apertured plug member 123 which is threaded into the lower end of opening 114 in valve housing 113. A spring 124 acts between the upper surface of web 115 and a snap ring 125 on stem 3.13 to normally urge the stem upward and ball valve 121 .away from the seat 122. It should be pointed out that while plug 126 provides an upper guide for valve stem 113, the aperture therein is somewhat larger than the valve stem and therefore while acting as a guide, the aperture is large enough to allow gas flow around the valve stem when valve 121 is in an open position.

Slidably mounted in opening litl3 of body member 1690 is a cylindrical electrically conductive member 126 having a reduced diameter portion E27 extending upward through an aperture 13% in cover plate 1M. On the upper surface of cover plate liild and concentric with aperture 130 is formed an annular recess 131. Extending from the lower end of cylindrical member 126 and terminating substantially midway therethrough, is a cylindrical openinglSZ. Another cylindrical opening 133 of somewhat reduced diameter extends from the upper end of reduced diameter portion 127 and into cylindrical member 126. Opening 133 terminates slightly above the terminal end of opening 132 and the two openings are joined by a still smaller cylindrical opening 134 through a web 135 between openings 132 and 133. An elongated screw 136 having a head 137 is inserted in opening 133 and extends through opening 134. The main portion of screw 13% extends into opening 132 and, at its lower extremity, is threaded into a hammer or impacting member 14f) which corresponds to hammer 7d of FIGURES 1 through 3. A relatively heavy impacting compression spring 141 located between impacting member Mil and the lower surface of web 135 biases screw 136 outwardly from openspaced relationship with 7 ing 133 and head 137 into engagement with the upper surface of the web. After inserting screw 136 into opening 133, a plug 142 is pressed into the opening. Plug 142 extends only a portion of the axial length of opening 133 and .at its upper end extends slightly above the top of reduced portion 127 of member 126. Pressed unto plug 142, above portion 127, is a thumb operated actuating member 143 which may be contoured to accept the thumb of the user. An annular recess 144i is formed in the underside of member 143 and accepts the upper end of a compression return spring 145, the other end of which is accepted into annular recess 131 of cover plate 104.

Spring 145 then acts as a return spring to bias actuating member 143 away from cover plate 104 and to retain the upper end of cylindrical member 126 in engagement with the under side of cover plate 104.

Telescoped within opening 132 in member 126 is a tubular electrically insulative housing member 146 which is rigidly fixed to lower cover plate 1195 as will be seen hereinafter. While not shown in the drawing, it may be desirable in some instances to mount member 146 in a rigid metal sleeve to provide greater strength and rigidity to the structure. Housing 146 has an opening therein in which are mounted a pair of cylindrical piezoelectric elements 150 and 151 which correspond to elements 82 and 83 respectively as described in connection with FIG- URE 1. At the lower end of housing 146 and in electrical connection with piezoelectric element 151 and abutted thereagainst is an electrode member 152 which corresponds to electrode 87 of FIGURE 1. Electrode 152 is rigidly fixed in the opening of housing 146 by appropriate means, not shown, and is electrically connected and rigidly fixed to botom plate 1115 by appropriate means such as a screw 153. Located immediately above piezoelectric element 156 and in electrical connection therewith is an electrode 154 which correspondsto electrode 86 in FIGURE 1. Separating the adjacent ends of piezoelectric elements 151 and 151 is an electrode 155 which corresponds, to electrode 85 in FIGURE 1. An insulated conductor 156 extends through housing 146 and is connected to electrode 155. Conductor 156 extends upward through body member 1% and at its terminal end is connected to a spark electrode 157 which terminates at a position slightly above and to one side of the opening in plug 120. As will be seen hereinafter, electrode 157 acts with the upper end of valve stem118, when the valve stem is raised to move valve 121 to an open position, as a spark gap. Electrode 157 is held in position by appropriate means such as an electrically insulative block 161) mounted on cover plate 104.

Hammer or impacting member 140 also extends into the opening in housing 146 above electrode 154. A sear 161 extends through an aperture 162 in housing 146 somewhat above electrode 154 and normally engages the under surface of impacting member 1 16 thus preventing its movement downward and normally retaining it in electrode 154. Sear 161 is mounted onaleaf spring 163 which may be made from spring steel or other similar'material. Leaf spring 163 is attached to the outer surface of housing 146 by appropriate means such as a rivet 164 and sear 161 is attached to the leaf spring by a similar rivet 165. Exterior of housing 146, sear 161 has an upper sloped cam surface 166 which is adapted to be engaged by the lower surface of cylindrical member 126 as the member is moved downward as will be described hereinafter. At the end of sear 161 which normally extends into housing 146, is a lower cammed surface 167. V A cover member 168 is pivotally mounted on a pair of upwardly extending members 1713 (only one of which isseen in the drawing, which are fixed to cover plate14 by appropriate means not shown). Cover 168 is pivotally mounted on these members by a pin 171 extending therethrough. Cover member 168 has formed thereon at one end, a circular toothed portion 172 which co-acts' with a rack portion 17-3 formed at the forward end of actuating member 143. Cover 168-may be internally contoured so that it fits down over the electrode 157 and the holder therefor, and over the plug 120, thus being effective not only to protect the components from becoming covered with dust and other foreign materials, but also to protect the electrode 157 from possible damage when the lighter is not in use. Cover 167 also has formed internally thereof a surface 174 which is effective, when the cover is lowered, to engage the upper end of valve stem 118 and to move it downwardly in opposition to spring 124 and thus to close valve 121 against its seat 122 and prevent fuel flow through the valve.

When it is desired to use the lighter, actuating member 1 13 is depressed in opposition to spring 145. Rack 173 cooperates with the circular toothed portion 172 of cover 168 and is effective to rotate the cover in a clockwise direction to an open position as shown in FIGURE 6. As surface 174 moves away from the upper end of valve stem 118, spring 124 moves the valverstem upward and valve 121 is moved away from seat 122 and fuel is allowed to flow through the passage in plug 123, through aperture 116 in the web 115 and through the enlarged passage in plug 121 around stem 118. At the same time, the upper end of valve stem 118 moves into a position adjacent electrode 157 so as to forma spark gap therewith. This particular arrangement has been found to be particularly effective to insure proper lighting of the lighter. Electrode I 157 is positioned so that it is immediately outside the cone of gas which then issues from the. aperture in plug 121) while the upper end of valve stem 11% remains inside the cone. Thus when a spark travels from the electrode 157 to the valve stem, it must of necessity pass through the interface between the fuel and air. It is at this point that combustion takes place.

Obviously, a fixed electrode, grounded to body 100 and positioned within the cone of gas, might be usedin place of stem 118. However, additional operating means for the valve would be required. It is therefore preferable to use stern 118 which acts, not only as an electrode, but also as an operating stem for valve 121. Also, it should be pointed out that if fixed electrodes are used, both of the electrodes may be located externally of the gas cone and adjacent the air-fuel interface as was done in the embodiment of our invention described in connection with FIGURES 1 through 4. However, the present arrangement is thought to be preferable unless a pilot burner is used to lightthe main burner as described in the previous embodiment.

At the same time that cover 168 is rotated to an open position, cylindrical member 126 is moved downwardly.

Obviously impacting member cannot move downward because it is seated on the upper surface of sear 161. Thus spring 141 is compressed and a certain amount of energy is stored therein and member 126 is telescoped over housing 146. As cylindrical member 126 is moved further down, it engages cam surface 166 ,of sear 161 and upon additional movement downward,

acts to move the sear outwardly from the housing 146 to a point where. the impacting member 140 is released and imparts a blow to electrode 154 which is in turn transmitted thereby to the piezoelectric elements 151 and 151. This results in a mechanical stress in the piezoelectric elements and consequently a relatively highpotential difference between electrodes 152 and 154 and the center electrode 155. Electrodes 152 and 154 are electrically connected to the body member 100 through bottom plate and through the impacting member, screw 136, and cylindrical member 126 respectively. Valve stem 118is electrically connected to body member 106 through snap ring 125, springlld and web portion 115, the walls of housing 113 'and cover plate 104. Thus valve stem 118 acts as a grounded electrode. Electrode 157 is electrically connected to the center electrode through insulated wire 156 as previously described here- 'in. Thus electrode 157 and the upper end of valve stem 9 118 form a spark gap and when the piezoelectric elements 150 and 151 are mechanically stressed as described above, the resulting potential causes a spark between electrode 157 and stem 113. This spark ignites the fuel issuing from the aperture in plug 12th.

When the lighter is to be extinguished, actuating member 143 is released and is then moved upward by return spring 145. Member 143 carries with it cylindrical member 126 and hence the impacting member 144 As impacting member 140 is moved upward, it slides along lower cam surface 167 of scar 161 and when the impacing member has cleared the sear, leaf spring 163 moves the sear back into position underneath the impacting member. At the same time, the upward movement of actuating member 143 causes, through the action of rack 173 and tooth segment 172, cover 168 to be pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction and to move to a closed position. Surface 174 engages the upper end of valve stem 118 and moves it downwardly so as to seat ball valve 121 and prevent further flow of fuel through the valve.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that we have provided a lighter wherein the conventional spark producing apparatus is eliminated and is replaced by a piezoelectric element and a unique manually actuated impacter therefor which provides a spark for igniting the fluid. The mechanism, while being very efficient in operation, is extremely compact and completely compatible for use with conventional sized lighters.

While we have described and shown two specific embodiments of our invention, various modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore we do not wish the invention to be limited to these preferred embodiments, but intend that it should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A lighter comprising: a body member; burner means; means for retaining lighter fuel and for supplying the fuel to said burner means; piezoelectric means mounted on said body member and electrically insulated therefrom; a pair of electrodes electrically connected to said piezoelectric means; means forming a spark gap at said burner means, one side of said spark gap being electrically connected to one of said electrodes and the other side of said spark gap being electrically connected to the other of said electrodes; striking means mounted on said body member and movable toward and away from said piezoelectric means, said striking means being adapted to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein resulting in a potential difference between said electrodes to cause a spark across said spark gap; spring means acting on said striking means and biasing said striking means toward said piezoelectric means; manually actuated means for sequentially stressing said spring means to store energy therein with said striking means in a position spaced away from said piezoelectric means, and then releasing said striking means, said spring means then being effective to'drive said striking means and cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means and the resulting spark across said spark gap being effective to ignite the fuel at said burner means.

2. A lighter comprising: an electrically conductive body member; burner means; means for retaining lighter fuel and supplying the fuel to said burner; piezoelectric means including a tubular casing member of insulating material mounted on said body member; a pair of piezoelectric elements axially disposed in said casing member; a' center electrode member mounted between adjacent ends of said elements and abutted thereby; first and second electrically conductive end electrodes closing the ends of said casing member and engaging the opposite ends of said elements, said first end electrode being electrically connected to said body member; electrically conit ductive striking means movably mounted on said body member and electrically connected thereto; said striking means being movable toward and away from said piezoelectric means and adapted to impart an axial blow to said second end electrode and to electrically connect said second end electrode to said body member; said second end electrode being effective to transmit said axial blow to said piezoelectric elements to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein resulting in a potential difference between said center electrode and said end electrodes; spark gap means positioned in igniting relationship with said burner means; one side of said spark gap being electrically connected to said body member, the other side of said spark gap being electrically connected to said center electrode; spring means acting on said striking means and adapted to drive said striking means toward said piezoelectric means; and means for sequentially stressing said spring means to store energy therein with said striking means spaced from said piezoelectric means and then releasing said striking means, said spring means then being effective to drive said striking means and cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric elements, the electrical output thereof providing a spark across said spark gap which is efiective to ignite the fuel at said burner means.

3. A lighter comprising: a body member having a chamber therein for containing fuel gas under pressure; burner means; fluid passage means connecting said chamber and said burner means; said fuel passage means including valve means for controlling the flow of fuel to said burner means; piezoelectric means mounted on said body member and electrically insulated therefrom; a pair of electrodes electrically connected to said piezoelectric means; means forming a spark gap at said burner means,

.one side of said spark gap being electrically connected to one of said electrodes and the other side of said spark gap being electrically connected to the other of said electrodes; striking means movably mounted with respect to said piezoelectric means and adapted to be driven to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein resulting in a potential difference between said electrodes to cause a spark across said spark gap; spring means acting on said striking means and biasing said striking means toward said piezoelectric means; means releasibly retaining said striking means in spaced relationship with said piezoelectric means; and

means for sequentially stressing said spring means to store energy therein, opening said valve means to allow fuel to flow to said burner means, and releasing said striking means to allow said spring means to drive said striking means and to cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means, and the resulting spark across said spark gap being effective to ignite the fuel at said burner means.

4. A lighter comprising: an electrically conductive body member having a chamber therein for containing fuel gas under pressure; electrically conductive manifold means mounted on said body member and in conductive relation therewith, said manifold means having a burner orifice therein; fluid passage means connecting said chamber and said burner orifice, said fluid passage means including valve means for controlling the flow of fuel to said burner orifice; piezoelectric means mounted on said body member and electrically insulated therefrom, a pair of electrodes electrically connected to said piezoelectric means; one of said electrodes being electrically connected to said manifold means through said body member; further electrode means positioned adjacent said burner orifice and forming a spark gap with said conductive manifold, said spark gap being in igniting relationship with said burner orifice; means electrically connecting said further electrode means with the other one of said pair of electrodes; striking means movably mounted on said body member and adapted to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein to provide an electrical output therefrom resulting .in a. spark across said spark gap; spring means acting on said striking means and normally biasing said striking means toward said piezoelectric means; and means for stressing said spring means to store energy therein, said lastnamed means further includingmeans for sequentially opening said valvemeans to allow fuel to flow .to said burner means andvreleasing said striking means, said spring means then being effective to drive said striking meansto cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means, and thev resulting spark across said spark gap being effective to ignite the fuel at said burner orifice.

5. A lighter comprising: a body member having a chamber therein for containing fuel gas under pressure; a fuel manifold, a burner orifice in said manifold, fuel passage means in said manifold and connected to said burner orifice, valve means in said passage means, said valve means including a valve seat and a valve closure member cooperating therewith and movable between open and a closed positions; an electrically conductive stem connected to said closure member and located in said passage, said stern extending through said burner orifice when said closure member is in an open position and being retracted into said passage when said closure member is in a closed position; yieldable means urging said closure member toward the open position; piezoelectric means mounted on said body member and electrically insulated therefrom; a pair of electrodes electrically connected to said piezoelectric means; spark gap means at said burner orifice including a further electrode positioned adjacent said burner orifice and cooperating with said valve stem to form a spark gap therewith when said valve closure member is in the open position, said further electrode and said valve stem being electrically connected to' opposite ones of said pair of electrodes; striking means movably mounted on said body member and adapted to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a change inthe mechanical stress therein resulting in a potential difference between said pair of electrodes and a spark across said spark gap; spring means acting on said striking means and normally biasing said striking means toward said piezoelectric means; and operating means nor- 'mally retaining said valve closure member in closed position and operable for stressing said spring means to store energy therein, said operating means further including means for sequentially releasing said valve closure member to allow movement thereof to the open position to allow fuel to flow to said burner orifice and releasing said striking means, said spring means then being effective to drive said striking means and cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means, and the resulting spark across said spark gap between said electrode and said valve stem beingrelfective to ignite the fuel at said burner orifice.

.6. A' lighter comprising: a body member having a chamber therein forcontaining fuel gas under pressure; a fuel manifold of electrically conductivematerial mounted on said body member, said fuel manifold having a first passage extend-ing therethrough, said passage having one end adapted to be connected to said fuel chamber and a second end adapted to act as a main burner; valve means for controlling the flow of fuel to said first passage; a second passage in said manifold and intersecting said first passage intermediate said first and second ends thereof, said second passage having one end blockedand a second end adapted to'act as a pilot burner; deflector means positioned in said manifold at the intersection of said passages and having a portion thereof arranged to deflect fueltoward said second passage at substantially constant ,low flow rates but to permit fuel fiow throughsaid first passage at higher flow rates; said main burner being positioned in igniting relationship with said pilot burner;

piezoelectric means mounted on said body member and electrically insulated therefrom; a pair of electrodes electrically connected to said piezoelectric means, one of said 7 12 pair of electrodes being electrically connected to said conductive fuel manifold; a further electrode electrically connected to the other one of said pair of electrodes and positioned adjacent said manifold to form a spark gap therewith, sa i-d spark gap being in igniting relation-ship with said pilot burner; striking means movably mounted with respect to said piezoelectric means and adapted to be driven to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means tocause a change in the mechanical stress therein resulting in a potential difference between said pair of electrodes to cause a spark across said spark gap; spring means acting on said striking means for bias-ing said striking means toward said piezoelectric means; and means for stressing said spring means to store energy therein, said last named means further including means for sequentially opening said valve means to allow fuel to flow to said burner means and releasing said striking means to allow said spring means to drive said striking means and cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means, and the resulting; spark across said spark gap being effective to ignite the fuel at said pilot burner.

7. In combination: a body member; a fuel manifold mounted on said body member, said fuel manifold having a first passage extending therethrough, said passage having one end adapted to be connected to a source of fuel under pressure and a second end adaptedto act as a main burner; valve means for controlling the flow of fuel to said first passage; .a second passage in said manifold and intersecting said first passage intermediate said first and second ends thereof, said second passage having one end blocked and a second end adapted to act as a pilot burner; deflect-or means positioned in said manifold at the intersection of said passages and having a portion thereof arranged to deflect fuel toward said second passage at substantially constant low flow rates but to permit fuel fiow through said first passage at higher flow rates; said main burner being positioned sufficiently close to said pilot burner for ignition therefrom when a flame is established at said pilot burner; piezoelectric means mounted on said casing, said piezoelectric means having a first electrode electrically connected thereto, electrical conducting means connected to said first electrode and terminating adjacent said pilot burner and a second electrode electrically connected thereto and connected to a conducting 7 toward said piezoelectric means; and mean-s for pivoting said striking portion away from said piezoelectric means and simultaneously stressing said spring means, said last named mean-s further including means for sequentially opening said valve to permit fuel flow into said first passage and releasing said hammer member, said'spr-ing member being effective, after release of said hammer member, to'return said hammer member so that said striking portion imparts a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a spark across said spark gap to ignite said pilot burner.

SVA lighter comprising: an electrically conductive body member having a chamber therein for containing fuel gas under pressure; said body member including a burner orifice; fluid passage means connecting said burner orifice to said chamber, said fluid passage means including valve means for controlling the flow of fuel to said burner orifice; piezoelectric means mounted on said body member and electrically insulated therefrom; first and second electrodes electrically connected to said piezoelectrrc means, said first electrode being electrically connected to said body member; spark gap means at said burner orifice including first and second spark electrodes, one of said spark electrodes being mounted in said passage means and having a portion extending outward through said burner orifice, said extending portion having a length so that it is within a cone of gas issuing from said orifice when said valve means is opened, said other spark electrode having a terminal end located outside of said cone of gas and in close proximity to said first spark electrode; one of said spark electrodes being electrically connected to said body member and the other of said spark electrodes being electrically connected to said second electrode which is connected to said piezoelectric means; striking means movably mounted with respect to said piezoelectric means and adapted to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein resulting in a potential diiference between said first and second electrodes and a spark across said spark gap; spring means acting on said striking means for driving said striking mean-s toward said piezoelectric means; and means for stressing said spring means to store energy therein, said last named means further including means for sequentially opening said valve means to allow fuel to fiow to said burner means and releasing said striking means, said spring means then being effective to drive said striking means and cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means and the resulting spark across said spark gap being effective to ignite the fuel at said burner orifice.

9. A 'lighter comprising: an electrically conductive body member having a chamber therein for containing fuel gas under pressure, said body member further including a burner orifice; fluid passage means connecting said burner orifice and said chamber, said fluid passage means including value means for controlling the flow of fuel to said burner orifice; piezoelectric means including a tubular casing member of insulating material mounted on said body a member, a pair of piezoelectric elements axially disposed in said casing member, a center electrode member mounted between adjacent ends of said elements and abutted thereby; firstand second electrically conductive end electrodes closing the ends of said casing member and engaging the opposite ends of said elements, said first end electrode being electrically connected to said body member; electrically conductive striking means movably mounted on said body member and electrically connected thereto; said striking means being adapted to be driven to impart an axial blow to said second end electrode and to electrically connect said second end electrode and said body member; said second end electrode being effective to transmit said axial blow to said piezoelectric elements to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein resulting in a potential diiference between said center electrode and said end electrodes; spark gap means positioned in igniting relationship with said burner orifice; one side of said spark gap being electrically connected to said body member, the other side of said spark gap being electrically connected to said center electrode; spring means acting on said striking means for driving said striking means toward said piezoelectric means; and means for stressing said spring means to store energy therein, said last named means further including means for sequentially opening said valve means to allow fuel to flow to said burner orifice and releasing said striking means, said spring means then being eifective to drive said striking means and to cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means, the electrical output thereof providing a spark across said spark gap which is effective to ignite the fuel at said burner orifice.

10. A manually operable lighter comprising: a body member; piezoelectric crystal means mounted on said body member and having a pair of electrodes connected thereto; burner means; means for supplying fuel to said burner means; means forming a spark gap at said burner means in igniting relationship therewith; means electrically connecting said spark gap in circuit with said pair of electrodes; impacting means including striking means mounted on said body member and mova is with respect thereto toward and away from said piezoelectric means, and spring means acting on said striking means and yieldably biasing said striking means toward said piezoelectric means, said striking means being adapted to be driven by said spring means to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein to thereby establish a potential difference between said electrodes to cause a spark across said spark gap for ignition of fuel at said burner means; an actuating member movably mounted on said body member and operably connected to said impacting means, said actuating member being manually operable to stress said spring means to store energy therein; and means associated with said actuating member and constructed and arranged to release said striking means upon further operation of said actuating member after operation thereof to stress said spring means so that said spring means is efiective to drive said striking means and cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means and cause a spark across said spark gap.

11. A manually operable lighter adapted for use in igniting a burner, the lighter comprising: a body member; piezoelectric crystal means mounted on said body member and having a pair of electrodes connected thereto; a spark gap adapted to be mounted at the burner in igniting relationship therewith; means electrically connecting said spark gap in circuit with said pair of electrodes; impacting means including striking means mounted on said body member and movable with respect thereto toward and away from said piezoelectric means, and spring means acting on said striking means and yieldably biasing said striking means toward said piezoelectric means, said striking means being adapted to be driven by said spring means to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means to cause a change in the mechanical stress therein to thereby establish a potential dilference between said electrodes to cause a spark across said spark gap for ignition of fuel at the burner; and actuating means operably connected to said impacting means and manually operable to simultaneously stress said spring means to store energy therein and to move said striking means away from said piezoelectric means, said spring means then being effective, upon release, to drive said striking means and cause it to impart a blow to said piezoelectric means and cause a spark across said spark gap.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,070,121 2/37 Gibson 67-7.1 2,493,662 1/50 Fitzpatrick 317-88 2,612,033 9/52 Flamm 67-7.1 2,845,784 8/58 Hinn 677.1 2,848,655 8/58 Florman 317--88 3,082,333 3/63 Huiferd et al 310-8.3 3,088,301 5/63 Gruber et al. 677.1

RICHARD M. WOOD, Primary Examiner.

EDWARD J. MICHAEL, Examiner. 

1. A LIGHTER COMPRISING: A BODY MEMBER; BURNER MEANS; MEANS FOR RETAINING LIGHTER FUEL AND FOR SUPPLYING THE FUEL TO SAID BURNER MEANS; PIEZOELECTRIC MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID BODY MEMBER AND ELECTRICALLY INSULATED THEREFROM; A PAIR OF ELECTRODES ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO SAID PIEZOELECTRIC MEANS, MEANS FORMING A SPARK GAP AT SAID BURNER MEANS, ONE SIDE OF SAID SPARK GAP BEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO ONE OF SAID ELECTRODES AND THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID SPARK GAP BEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE OTHER OF SAID ELECTRODE; STRIKING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID KBODY MEMBER AND MOVABLE TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID PIEZOELECTRIC MEANS, SAID STRIKLING MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO IMPART A BLOW TO SAID PIEZOELECTIRC MEANS TO CAUSE A CHANGE IN THE MECHANICAL STRESS THEREIN RESULTING IN A 